Total pharmaceutical sales in Sweden during February–October 2008 were EUR 2,200 (2,289) million in pharmacy purchase prices (PPP), which represents growth of 3% at constant exchange rates (CER) compared to the same period in the previous year.

Tamro Sweden’s net sales during February–October were EUR 1,149 (1,278) million, a decrease of 10.2%. The main reason was the changed business model among some suppliers.

Tamro Sweden’s average market share for February–October remained at 53%. During third quarter, the company signed a supplier contract that will increase the market share by approximately 3–4 % in 2009.

Tamro Sweden employed an average of 462 (445) people.

The Swedish Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed the timetable of the pharmacy liberalisation. The Government will hand the legislation proposal to the Parliament in January–February 2009 and the Parliament is likely to decide on the liberalisation in March–April 2009. The liberalisation is expected to come into effect on 1 July 2009. The board members and management of Apoteket Omstrukturering AB, responsible for selling of state-owned pharmacies, and the state-owned service company, in charge of the IT infrastructure for Swedish pharmacies, have now all been appointed.